San Francisco to Inspect Residents’ Garbage

San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom (D), announced a plan to inspect city residents’ garbage. Reportedly, he was inspired, in part, by a study that appeared in the weekly journal Obesity.

“Projections show that by the year 2030, every American will be overweight,” Newsome explained. “We’ve got to do something. Since the City has custody of the people’s garbage, I thought, why not use this power for good?”

“You know, we can learn a lot from people’s garbage,” Newsome went on. “What they’re eating, reading, wearing—all can be deduced from what people throw away.”

Newsome downplayed contentions that this would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy. “Your neighbor’s bad habits have an effect on you,” Newsome said. “If they’re eating the wrong food, too much food, or are wasting food, that costs society. By identifying who is imposing these costs, we can begin to correct the behaviors that cause them.”

The Mayor suggested that “dieticians could be sent to counsel those exhibiting poor food-related skills. We could provide healthy menus and food preparation instructions. If necessary, residents showing signs of obesity could be signed up for aerobics lessons.”

SFCraig wrote:You should mention an article is satire or provide a link to the article. It's an integrity thing.

You don't think that was obvious? What does THAT tell you?

Mandatory Recycling
Some communities have passed laws or ordinances mandating that citizens recycle at least some of their trash. Typically, residents in these communities separate their newspaper, aluminum, glass, and other recyclables from the rest of their trash. Other communities may only require that newspapers be separated for recycling. Residents who do not comply with local recycling laws may be fined, or their trash may not be picked up. In an effort to encourage recycling, many communities have adopted pay-as-you-throw programs. Community residents are charged by the number of trash containers they set out for collection.

In Seattle, Washington, the amount residents pay for garbage pick-up is based on the size of their garbage cans. Usually, the cost of pick-up for one small 12-gallon can is about $10 per month, while the cost for two large 32-gallon cans is almost $33 per month. Residents who are serious about recycling end up paying far less for their garbage disposal.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/recycling.html